Reactions Trail Atiku's Emergence, INEC On Election Timetable + More | Politics Today

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[00:04:18]Exodus within the APC in Delta State, former deputy senate president and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly vote dumped the party and Atiku Abuaka has emerged as a candidate of the ADC for the presidential election of 2027. But after that what next for opposition coalition ahead of a very crucial election of 2027.

[00:05:06]Hello everyone welcome to the program.

[00:05:08]This is politics today live on China's television. I'm Shakimal live for you here in our puja studio. Let's begin the conversation tonight by letting you know that uh there seems to be some trouble for the APC in Delta State as former deputy Senate President Oier Omar has officially defected from the APC to the National Democratic Congress NDC ahead of 2027 elections. Senator Omar Gay announced his move in a statement released describing it as the outcome of weeks of reflection wide consultation of uh and honest conversations with supporters and stakeholders across the country. He said in in that statement that it has formally announced his decision to join the National Democratic Congress. The former deputy senate president is dumping the APC after losing out in the APC senatorial primaries.

[00:06:15]And it's not the only one that has dumped the APC. former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. Honorable Victor Ochay has also resigned his membership of the APC although he is not mentioned in his statement where he's added to. But in that statement which he issued earlier today, he said his decision followed deep reflections and wide consultations adding that he had chosen to continue his political journey elsewhere. The former speaker of the house in Delta State says he has joined the APC in 2016 with most sincerity of papot and a strong belief in the vision and future of the party. He said he devoted himself to the strengthening of the party at different levels over the years. But he says that he remain proud of the contributions made during his time in the party and he's including efforts to encourage youth and women participation as well as promoting democratic engagement in the state of Sally. He said he no longer believes in some of those values or some of those values that he believes in are no longer evident in the APC.

[00:07:29]So much that we need to talk about tonight everyone. But before we get into all of that, those who are concerned about the manner in which has positioned itself ahead of the elections and also we'll be asking questions about um articul's emergence as a candidate of the ADC. So what then what happens next?

[00:07:49]What does it change in the scheme of things? Isu a leading opposition phase or what exactly should Nigerians be looking forward to? Please get our attention tonight. Everyone sit tight because first let me serve you with some of your political roundup stories.

[00:08:15]The Niger Labor Congress has decrieded Nigeria's worsening security and economic situations and asking that the federal government take decisive steps to address the problem as millions of citizens continue to endure severe hardship under policies that have deepened poverty and insecurity across the country. The call to tackle the twin problem of insecurity and economic hardship is the focus of the Idel Cabir celebration message at the Labour center issued on Wednesday where the NLC leadership called on political leaders to reflect on the consequences of the economic decisions. President of the NLC Mr. Joe Airo cited the recent abduction of school children in Oo state, deadly attacks in Quir state and other parts of the country as indications that the government is losing his grip with the country's security. The senator representing Quir Central, Senator Salihu Mustafa has reaffirmed his confidence in the All Progressives Congress, describing the APC as the strongest political platform in the country with growing support across Quirre State. He maintained that the party would remain unbeatable if members continue to work together in unity and support the programs of both the state and federal governments under President Bulatinu's renewed hope agenda. The senator stated this while paying homage to the amir of Ibrahim Sulu Gambbury. He notes that with the support and large following being enjoyed by the party.

[00:09:34]The togetherness and prospects being enjoyed by the party cannot be matched by other political parties. Controversy appears to be trailing the APC governorship primary election conducted in Benway state on Thursday the 21st of May 2026 as an agrieved aspirant Jeffrey Kuran is calling for the cancellation of the poll having filed a petition before the appeals committee of the party.

[00:09:57]Addressing a news conference in Abuja Mr. Kuran claims the election was neither credible transparent nor reflective of democratic standards expected within a ruling political party. He alleged that what transpired was a grave subversion of internal democracy and a deliberate manipulation of a process that ought to have reflected the genuine will of party members across the 276 council wards and 23 local government areas of Bengui state. A member of the African Democratic Congress from Kebi state Idris Scalgo has condemned the party's house of representatives primary elections describing it as a shame and robbery of democracy. Addressing journalists in Kebi, Mr. Calgo said no elections were held as they were still waiting for voting to commence when results were announced to the surprise of all party faithful. He therefore calls on the national leadership of the party to cancel the results and fix a new date for the party's primary in the state election.

[00:11:05]Let's rewind it uh practically speaking, but it's important for a context because it was yesterday night deep in the night. It took about 2 days for the African Democratic Congress under the David Mark leadership to collate and announce the result of the primaries which was basically between Atiku Abuaka, the former vice president, former governor of River State Rutamei and businessman Muhammad Ayatin.

[00:11:35]Uh but yesterday late in the night we saw former vice president Atuku Abubaka emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the elections. The result was announced yesterday by the chairman of the party senator David M. officially the he presented a party flag to Atiku Abuaka after he was declared winner with Aiku said to have garnered 1.846 846 320 million votes while Amichi got just about half of that. That's 405,117 with Ayatin with 177,120 votes. The total votes is about 2.5 million. Total party membership for the election is said to be put at 3.1 million.

[00:12:37]announcement of the collected results by the chairman of the presidential election committee.

[00:12:44]It is my very rare privilege and honor to declare his excellency Alhaji Atiku Abu Bakr as the winner of the presidential primary election having secured the highest number of votes and hereby returned as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress.

[00:13:14]for the 2027 general elections.

[00:13:42]Thank you.

[00:13:45]>> My dear friends, we have faced great challenges in building this coalition.

[00:13:51]Believe me, let us now turn our energies to continuing to build this party as we prepare for the campaign to win the elections and to rescue this country from the current misrule.

[00:14:05]We have a sacred responsibility to build a party that will stand as a great institution not only in Nigeria but as a great example across the world.

[00:14:21]I Atiku Abu Bakr therefore appeal to all those who feel agrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us.

[00:14:36]I appeal to all those who contested for various positions in our primaries to close ranks with us. In particular, I invite Chief Roim Achi and Alaji Muhammad Hayatuin to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country.

[00:15:00]As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers.

[00:15:09]This primary is not simply about selecting a candidate. It is about beginning a national rescue mission. And so I want to appeal directly to our three aspirants. Alhajiak GC right honorable me.

[00:15:34]All right. So that was how it all went down. But in in art's speech yesterday, he mentioned that he's going to ensure that he reaches out to the agrieved members or those who are who contended with him in that race. So we saw that practically happened today where the former vice president is now visited river's former river state governor who was the runner up in that race at his Abuja residence. The former vice president visited the Rotim Mameichi uh following what he said he would do yesterday night after being declared winner. We saw him being accompanied by former SKoto state governor Amenu Tambu, former ADC national chairman Rafosu and other party leaders.

[00:16:28]All right, then we get more uh we get some more details on that meeting, the emergence of Atuku Abuaka and what this means all together for the 2027 race. Is there a formidable opposition against Balatino? But we'll find out tonight on the program. But before we get into all of that, we you need to be concerned when there are those who are worry about ink uh the umpire and the manner in which he conducts his activities. Uh so we've heard and seeing uh those who are in the movement for credible election come out uh to say that the independent national electoral commission INX should withdraw its reported appeal against a federal court judgment nullifying aspects of the commission's timetable and shadow of activities for the 2027 general elections. There was a statement issued today by the group which include Dr. Usman, Dr. Obia Equili, Miss Bikisu Moruro and Okunoi where they have warned that the appeal could undermine public confidence in INX neutrality and credibility ahead of the 2027 poll.

[00:17:45]Let's speak now with one of the signitaries to uh that statement and one of the conveners of the movement for credible election in Nigeria. Dr. Usman Bugaji who was a former presidential advisor, former member of the House of Represent for us virtually on the program. Thanks so much indeed Dr. Bugaji for your time tonight.

[00:18:08]A pleasure show.

[00:18:10]>> Why would you say INC should not appeal a matter a judgment that literally the uh the capacitate his ability uh to uh stand is grand in the face of his regulatory uh authority as an umpire?

[00:18:31]>> First it did not the judgment did not cap incapacitate.

[00:18:36]If you look at the judgment carefully, what he's basically doing is declaratory.

[00:18:42]It's a declaratory it's a declaratory uh judgment basically explaining to that it is you know uh going beyond the powers that it has been given. Section 29 has you know clearly demarcated you know the the the powers that INC have in regulating elections and and you know to allow the political parties to you know properly prepare for the election. So what what what the judgment has done is basically to set limits for because has been you know overreaching and overstepping the bounds that the electoral law has given it and has been interfering in ways that we have not seen before.

[00:19:40]you know, ink would receive h a court order and then they will now, you know, come again with another court order and doing what they are doing. We can see that clearly with some of the opposition parties. So I think the the the the judgment of Justice Omar uh was basic you know is basically trying to you know lead in to play its role properly well because what it did earlier on was clearly designed to muscle up opposition and it went beyond what the law has provided trying to like uh move from regulator later to a stakeholder.

[00:20:29]You know, because when you appeal for a declaratory judgment, you are basically trying to step the bound of a regulator into a stakeholder. What basically the judgment did is to say look this 120 days that I given will go up to September. So allow the parties to do their work properly well so that they can work within the law and and basically that's the law.

[00:20:59]I'm aware the judgment by uh justice >> that uh is being perceived to have been uh to to be something completely against that of uh justice um uh I'm sure you are aware of that sh Yeah. But but uh do Dr. Bugaji if your group says INC risk losing his neutrality by appealing the federal high court judgment on that election timetable but in could argue easily Dr. Buga to say it is merely seeking a judicial clarification on his constitutional powers. Why do you interpret the appeal as a threat to democracy rather than a legitimate legal process? doesn't have the powers to say we do not agree with the position of the court because it's whittle down our powers and make our plans ahead of the election a mockery.

[00:22:00]Fair enough. If they want they can go ahead to do so. We are just simply advising them because what they did in the first place was not with consultation of the political parties.

[00:22:15]Every time I ink is working out on an electoral timetable, it works with the political parties under IPAC and it was this timetable was done without consultation with the political parties.

[00:22:30]It was after the timetable took place the political parties insisted that they wanted to see ink and they sat down and in that particular sitting they were able to show in a number of areas where it went wrong. It conceded certain grounds but it you know it upheld certain grounds. That kind of discussion should have continued but Iraq did not show any interest in proceeding with that kind of discussion and it was you know clearly trying to straight jacket every political party while the law itself the electoral law itself has allowed more time for political parties to get ready. All the judgment did was to say, "Hey, wait a minute. The law itself, section 29 in particular has given political parties up to September.

[00:23:19]Why are you asking them to have to submit everything, you know, in May and and basically it's like, you know, a clarifying for now if does not like that kind of clarification, it seeks to go to another court for another clarification, fair enough. It has the right to do so.

[00:23:37]But what it means then is that public perception is now going to change.

[00:23:42]Remember in 2023 Afro barometer took a survey and only 23% of you know Nigerians had confidence in INC. So already in was very low more than two I mean three quarters of Nigerians in 2023 did not you know did not have confidence did not trust in now with that very low perception and esteem we thought in would do better if they pull back and listen to what the courts are saying and then try to adjust to gain the confidence of the political parties if he doesn't want to gain the political party's confidence and it wants to go on its own. Fair enough. Let it go. There are consequences.

[00:24:31]But I mean you cited the Afrobarometer findings which according to your statement says it shows about 23% public uh trust in INC which is very low considering the fact that 23% I mean that that's very low considering the fact that that organization needs a lot of public trust for it to be able to conduct any election that any Nigerian can hold on to because legitimacy comes from the fairness and the neutrality of the process. So in that sense many Nigerians will argue that the distrust did not begin with this appeal anarch is raising which you say is a threat to our democracy. But from the handling of the 2023 election that's where the distrust is coming from especially around issues related to beas upload and result transmission. Now you have a problem with the timetable and the manner in which has done it. There is also the trust issues there. Are Nigerians simply losing faith in the entire electoral architecture or is the problem? Because if you say to me professor Am is a problem but Amita was not the one who conducted the election in 2023. Is he an institutional architectural electoral problem or what exactly is the issue here? your group have raised a big concern about this institution electoral process. But who should we hold accountable?

[00:26:01]Well, uh Sher, thank you very much for balancing as you should as a journalist.

[00:26:07]But let's go a little back go back to the you know electoral law itself the way it was passed in the parliament.

[00:26:14]Remember just two things. You remember one of the things that they did which is a government effort this time to decriminalize the forgery of certificates right and after that a lot of other uh uh mines and uh uh uh uh ambushes were you know introduced into the electoral law. A lot of analysis has been done. You know, you have hosted uh uh a number of experts and they have spoken to you about a number of these uh uh pot you know uh uh mines and traps and uh booby traps and all the rest of it. But that particular thing tells you something. It tells you that we have now a government that is interested in creating space for criminals. Now come to the final uh uh event when the law was eventually passed. You remember there were a protest both in the house of reps and in the senate. In one of the houses, a group of uh h senators came out basically declaring the leadership as thieves who have refused to listen to them on matters of electronic h using the the electronic transmission of results. So all this is a build up you know I mean with all these things that have happened the protest that took place in the national assembly all these are eroding the confidence that little 23% that was you know that that that that was left in 2023 is going down again. If it comes to 10 or 15% what kind of elections are we going to have where the bulk of the citizens don't trust you know the so-called independent unpair so the point we are making is basically that in must be seen to be transparent must be seen to be independent must be seen to be a regulator not a stakeholder Let let me ask you a frank question Dr. Bugay. What do you see about this election in terms of um the ability because it gets to a point in time that the people become so uh so deeply invested in the process of electing their leaders so much that they cannot sit on the sidelines.

[00:28:45]I mean, and we've seen Nigerians over the past years uh who have sat on the sidelines, they sit at home on election day, they really do not care about what exactly is going on as far as the election is concerned, knowing that their lives and livelihood is determined on the people they elect into into office and in this sense, do you think Nigerians are so uh invested right now ahead of the 2027 election? Have Nigerians been pushed emotionally to the point where they want to determine who elect them? Do you see the a change in atmosphere from what we saw in 2023 or just going to be the the little turnout and people then complaining later whatever emerges at the end of the day?

[00:29:30]Thank you very very much for this question. shown is everybody's knowledge that the government uh uh is working with INC to sabotage politic opposition political parties. You have seen what has happened to the to the PDP. You have seen what has happened to the uh h labor party. You have seen what has happened to SDP. You have seen what is happening to other smaller parties. Even the PRP that we thought was like uh I mean not much attention is going to be paid. So there is this uh you know clear uh uh uh if you like surreptitious move to destroy the opposition party so that the ruling party will be left alone to stand. I don't know what kind of election that is going to be when you have muzzled out everybody. So who are you going to compete with? Where is the uh uh uh election? and and uh you just need to go to the social media to see the the tremendous frustration with young people in particular. There are lots of drama. There are a lot of uh h skits that are being done to show both government and INC as you know you know uh you know working together to see how they can frustrate you know opposition parties. We are basically intervening to say in you need to redeem your image. If you are going to conduct this election, you need to build trust of the citizens and the way to do it is not to behave like a stakeholder. is not to behave like an interested party to remain as a regulator and to remove all the obstacles that have been put you know on the path of opposition political parties still working within the law.

[00:31:23]Now give us your real fear. There is growing anxiety about around the 2027 election that those who complain about economic hardship, regional tension, rising political uh coalition, some public anger against institution. Is your group concerned ultimately that Nigeria may be heading toward a leg, excuse me, a legitimate crisis because there are those who say security is not getting any better. But ahead of this election, we've seen the polarity of political alignment and there those who say you cannot make any change happen if opposition forces are not ready to come together because the caliber and the kind of personality the incumbent and the manner in which the political party the ruling party had posture themselves it's going to be it it's going to take a miracle to be able to defeat them.

[00:32:20]Well, uh, you have to go back a little to remember, you know, the I, you know, the way they removed the provision in the old law for electronic transmission of voting that for many is seen as a preparation for reading. Because if you do not want to read, why remove a provision that was already there? All you needed to do to show uh h transparency and to build confidence is to ensure that you know that provision you know of transparency is strengthened. Now that was removed and then uh has started you know under the new leadership started to like do things that were clearly partisan and it is these kind of signals that are making people to even wonder what kind of elections are we going to have in 2027. And this is what is agitating not only the opposition political parties but more importantly young people who see that their future is being completely punctured and destroyed.

[00:33:37]Young people who have spent the last 3 years of this administration nothing has improved. They have not gotten jobs.

[00:33:44]They have not gotten h any any any there is no hope in the town because uh uh the devaluation of the NRA the raising the raising of the prices of petrol the uh you know the the the the way the whole government has been focusing on themselves and the level of borrowing and the fact that like last year basically or this uh this year's budget hearings have shown that last year hardly any ministry got any money to do any work. So where is the money going?

[00:34:23]These are the questions that young people are asking. You are borrowing and borrowing and borrowing and yet you are not even able to finance the budget for the first time. We were running three budgets at the same time. 2024, 2025 and 2026. And you don't even know when this one stops, when this one starts. and all this confusing and and with all the antics that I is is is playing and other uh institutions of government like the security and even part of the judiciary, it creates a lot of worry as to what kind of country are we really building and these young people who are looking forward to something coming from government that will assure them that they will have a normal life like other young people in other African countries and other countries of Asia. that are far less rich, you know, h not not as rich as Nigeria, yet they can see their riches being stolen.

[00:35:23]>> Dr. Bugaj, you're raising some of this concern. Are there specific signs you're already seeing that suggest that the country could face serious instability if electoral neutrality or credibility is not restored urgently? And perhaps if you could give us an understanding of the safeguards that could be introduced before 2027 to insulate INC if you have some of these fears from accusations of executive influence or partis partisan postural capture.

[00:35:56]Well uh uh two things here uh Shu. First I keep going back to the electoral law.

[00:36:03]If really the government is not quoting anarchy, is not actually building uh h the the difficulties that are going to lead to anarchy, they need to still go back and change that law and allow for electronic transmission of result. you know uh uh uh you know uh uh what what they call uh you know I mean a transmission that will show everybody the votes that have taken place. Now that kind of uh thing is very important.

[00:36:40]I still time for it because you can see how they pass uh uh I mean how they do these loans just simply hours the the the request for the loan and the passing. So if they want they can do it all in one day. So unless you go back and change some of this critical aspect of the electoral law, that image of a a government, you know, preparing to rig elections is going to remain there in the minds of many people. So if they really want to improve, that's the place to go. That is still sufficient time to do it. I don't think they will do it, but it's important that we state that there now. The the second point is I am not quite sure from all that I have seen that this government has learned the lessons of other African countries. Look at what's happened uh uh in in uh in in Kenya. I mean there were two instances in Kenya this government should learn from uh uh before the Jenz you know woke up and when Nigerian Jenz woke up I don't know what's going to happen. We have seen a taste of it during the NSAS.

[00:37:54]We have seen a taste of it during the uh end bad governance. When this third wave comes, I don't know how it is going to be. But I know that the level of frustration is intense and people are really on the edge because this is a government I keep saying that has not performed. They have not improved on insecurity. They have not improved on welfare. They have not improved on taxes. They have done everything to the economy and to render their life completely miserable and they are you know they have encyled themselves with psychopans that are not ready to tell them what exactly is happening and those of us who speak about these things are seen as opposition. We are not opposition. We are just concerned about the future of our own country. We are concerned about the future of our own children. We have got many children who have graduated. They have no jobs and even those who have jobs cannot feed themselves. And so if you cannot with all the wealth that God has given this country do the kind of governance that you will distribute wealth and allow citizens to see that the government is genuinely trying to help the citizens like it happens in other countries then people are going to be I mean that anger that is building up is definitely going to boil over >> unless certain things are done before.

[00:39:20]Let's wrap this up quickly in one uh in 60 seconds and my question I'll probably show you a picture of what things are looking right now those who are up against president Balatinobu uh in this race and you we will have uh this amount of time up until next year February when Nigerians will be able to vote but you see the likes of artaka that has emerged uh from the ADC Kachiku Dumi also contending that he's also presidential candidate of the ADC Don Duke from the PRP uh Ado Adpa is contesting that that he's also a candidate of that party. uh we've seen the expectation that Peter Obi and Konoso might be on the same ticket uh for the NDC and these are going to be people that will be up against President for for example also there's a possibility that APM might uh have a shim in the on the ballot with your experience you've been in the national assembly you have had one foot also in the executive arm of government and you've seen how politics has been played in this country you could also be able to use your experience and your years uh in this country to be able to give a feel of how this election could pan out in 2027. If you look at a crystal ball, what would be your permutation ahead of this election?

[00:40:54]Thank you, Sh. I have a completely different approach to this. All these people with ambition to become presidents and going to different parties and trying to get a ticket, I'm not impressed. They don't seem to understand the level of destruction in the last let's say 12 or so years of of of governments from that of Muhammad Buhari to this one and therefore what I thought they should be doing if they truly love this country to put their ambitions together come and create a colleate leadership every one of them would be part of that government but come up with agenda to salvage this country because I hate to be supporting people whose basic ambition is to become president of this country even without any idea of what exactly they want to do. I have been saying this you have large number of politicians coming together under one political platform. We have all the big names but there are no big ideas. What we require is the idea to salvage this country. This is a country with a great promise, with great potential, but which has been destroyed by politicians who are selfish, who are reckless, who are irresponsible. What we require now, I'm not impressed this one is in this party, this one, and I don't think anyone particular of them alone can solve the problems of this country. I would rather if they truly love this country, they come together, they create a colleate leadership, decide which platform to run and then salvate this country, work together with a big idea to bring this country to where it should be in the next 25 years.

[00:42:36]Dr. Usman Buger, a mama, a former member of the House of Representative, former presidential advisor and one of the conveners of the movement for credible elections in Nigeria. Many thanks for your time tonight. I appreciate it.

[00:42:50]>> Thank you.

[00:42:50]>> Thank you so much indeed. I appreciate it. We'll take a break everyone, but when we return, what about Atuaka's emergency? What does this mean for the race of 2027? We'll be analyzing that election, the fallout, and the days ahead. Join us.

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[00:46:50]>> Thank you so much for for having me.

[00:46:52]>> You almost could predict that was going to win the race, isn't it?

[00:46:55]>> No, >> you couldn't predict. You thought Amicha was going to beat him?

[00:46:58]>> No.

[00:46:59]>> What did you think? I just felt the process would throw up the best candidate and that was exactly what the process did. The election, the guidelines of the party talked about how the process should go and exactly what happened. The process the party member decided who they want they wanted and then they spoke and they spoke very loudly and you could see the the outcome of the result and that produced artwork.

[00:47:23]We we're lucky to have um a leadership of the party that are so that are so careful and then they are so determined you know about what they wanted to achieve >> and they've achieved it. So I commend uh Senator David Ma and the entire national working committee for providing that level playing fields for everybody. Of course, there's some you can't you can't run away from the fact that there will be pockets of issues here, but those are not strong enough to actually consume the party.

[00:47:54]>> One of the best things that Artiku Abuaka knows how to do is to win primaries.

[00:47:59]>> He has won election before.

[00:48:01]>> Which of them?

[00:48:02]>> He won governorship election in Adamawa.

[00:48:04]>> He does a long time. How old were you?

[00:48:05]>> It doesn't matter. But this we talking about how old were you? Well, >> we're talking about history. We talking about history here. This was this was 20 27 years ago or 26 years.

[00:48:16]>> We're talking about history. Yeah, we're talking about history. So if you say he has ever said election, I'm not saying >> I said I said some of the best thing he knows how to do what what he knows how to do most is winning primaries.

[00:48:28]>> No, it's not that >> and give it to him. He knows how he's won. He knows how to win in the last four five election.

[00:48:34]>> He knows how to win election too. We all know how what happened in 2019.

[00:48:38]>> He's lost more elections. Well, that is >> he's lost more more elections than he's won primaries.

[00:48:43]>> That is because of that's the kind of because of the system we run in this country. We knew what happened in 2019.

[00:48:48]We knew happened 2023. Even in 2007, we knew what happened. So, let's just leave that.

[00:48:53]>> Yes.

[00:48:55]Give us an understanding said it doesn't the processes is skewed.

[00:49:02]AI said the same thing that is a rigged process. uh your your party has now been alleged to be a rigging machine for art Abubaka. Can Nigerian really trust this mandate given to Artiko Abubaka?

[00:49:17]Well, it's the usual narrative you hear from uh psychopans in and out of the system who believe that Nigeria should just be uh tailored towards one attitude, one uh way of thinking uh not necessarily thinking out of the box. We are literally politically pigeonholed by sentiments, by negative attitudes and negativities and by people who you know fill the space, the political space with bad literature that tend to give Nigerians that once some statesman is on the ballot he should be put on the spot.

[00:50:03]government cannot be put on the spot that is bringing and has brought poverty to Nigerians that has brought shame in the political circle across the globe. Look at what played out at the primaries of the APC.

[00:50:22]People are not talking about it. The media is not talking about it. the characters that you know participated in uh turning the mathematics of counting not knowing that these images will go around the world in London in Washington in Beijing in South Africa and other places they will look at us and we have become a laughingto such attitude did not even exist in the stone age in the age of homo sapiens and instead of us being asked questions that are relevant to the candidate that we believe will bring not only hope to Nigerians but has the quality, the pedigree, the experience, the knowledge, the capacity and eligibility who amongst the political gladiators that are on the table today beginning from Bola Turubu to Kachuku to to everyone who has the credentials to match Aku Abuakar and each time this gentleman is out on the rad to put his life his wealth his experience and his time to even do that at the expense of his own businesses all you hear from you know the other side negative comments and >> I was asking just if I'm asked earlier I said, "Look, yes, an overwhelming defeat to his opponent, but those opponents have accused the process. They've rejected the process, alleged manipulation and irregularities. How can Nigerians trust the credibility of a primary election that key contestant themselves have publicly disowned?"

[00:52:15]>> No. You see, Sh, I am here in Kaduna. I have supervised these primary elections in the state in the zone 3 senatorial district to be precise in southern Kaduna and I have seen in words where Hameichi defeated Atiku defeated Hayatuin it and everybody's vote under my watch counted.

[00:52:47]I can tell you that Aiku's victory in these primaries is authentic, is credible, is um you can have in a democracy, you know, glitches here and there, but substantially 99% of what played out in the ADC primary can be h can be celebrated within the circumstances.

[00:53:11]>> Mr. Sal, Mr. tell you the fact that article won that is not surprising to someone like me. I said it the last time you were on this program. I told you I as I could predict close your eyes and article is going to win is going to defeat them. I said it, but the fact that the irregularities that that are being attributed to the we've seen videos and even some of the candidates, the other candidate contenders have come out with videos saying that the process has been skewed, manipulated, but beyond that, just give me a moment. Let me ask Mr. Vladimi that article was contested severally for president multiple times across different political platforms over the last three decades. There those who have argued that his ambition appears more personal than ideological. What exactly is new about in 2007 that Nigerians have not already seen before?

[00:54:07]>> Well, I disagree with those who are saying his ambition is more uh personal and no that's not true. I I think is about patriotic deal to the country that has done a lot for him and he felt I have what it takes to to give back to this country to give back to the people. I think it's just about that. So when anybody comes up and say that I I I just uh I ignore them because I don't for as far as I'm concerned they're not making any sense. So here is a man that has given his life he has been a vice president. He has done so much for this country. In this country, this guy has got you know has done so so a lot a lot.

[00:54:45]He went to court sometimes and got judgment that has enriched our reach our case law in this country. He has done so many talked about economy when he was vice president we knew what he did. So for as far as I'm concerned when people talk about like that I just these ones don't know what they said.

[00:55:00]>> So it's I think it's out of I think >> it's a comparison now. is about ideology and the multiplicity of time that he has contested across multiple platform ideology or personal cuz he just wanted to be president. Is that what it is for him?

[00:55:14]>> Okay. What is left for him? He has been vice president and he believes he has what it takes to to lead this country.

[00:55:19]>> He wants to be president at all. He's not at all any platform. Not any platform. It's not at all cost because what what is why would anybody have problem about the number of times someone has someone is throwing himself you know to >> why should look look towards artu other than tinobu >> because artu is far far better art has article has more to offer this country will never be a president and the country will be going through this kind of insecurity economy will not be like this he has done it before go and check his record it's about records now let's let's interrogate this record he was the vice president in this country and we knew what he did about economy. Most of the things that we see today, most of initial de framework that are working that have worked for this country were under his supervision. The GSM you carried that some youth are using to abuse him now he revolutioniz it. So these are the things he has let's interrogate the records. That's exactly what we are saying. Can you just uh Mr. Can you categorically say that Amichi >> will campaign for article in 2027? He's going to campaign for Let me tell you something about this. See, >> is it going to be the Just hold on.

[00:56:25]>> Has it decided?

[00:56:26]>> Just Just hold on. We have not decided.

[00:56:28]We have not decided on anything. And the the party will do what is needed. But let me say this. See the grievances of Amichi and Hayatin are very valid.

[00:56:41]You know why I say that? because there must be a process that is seen to be free to be fair and credible and that's exactly what the party has done. I remember a couple of weeks ago both Mr. Atikuaka and I committed to the fact that whoever wins this primaries we will support. They made this commitment >> before the hostilities.

[00:57:07]>> The only person who didn't make the commitment there was the young man that the gentleman that went into NDC. So, so and as as as somebody who wants to be president, you must be able to subject yourself to the process of primaries. It shouldn't be a correlation and that's exactly what the party has done. So, I'm happy that art has taken the initiative in alignment initiative that is in alignment with the party's vision that okay, reach out to these people. Today, he went to see Governor Aichi tomorrow maybe tomorrow or next is all the old road list to Lagos to see Elijah today and talk about because we need those people in this government. You can't take it away from Amichi. I mean is huge on policy formulation for policy articulation. He's good on he has executive experience. You can't take away is an economist banker seasoned banker a private sector person. We need all of these people to come together and let us do I mean >> Mr. for this country >> Mr. Sal I I really don't like talking about this club because they disgust me in every way. It's it's an opposition club to my to the team I support in London. Uh but Dino Mel has compared uh and this is not funny. I don't like Arsenal. I never wish they won the the Premier League. Uh but Dino Mele has brought a comparison about how asaka is an Arsenal fan. Uh and said that since Arsenal could do it, should go ahead and do it. They won the ticket.

[00:58:32]The major worry for some Nigerians will be that the opposition scored an own goal and may not be able to triumph uh because one leg is article winning the ticket which may be uh Arsenal winning the Premier League. But on Saturday uh they will face humiliation from PSG uh in the Champions League final. Uh and the humiliation that that the opposition might face in the hands of Tobu in 2027, the only goal that a lot of people thought that the opposition may have played on itself is not allowing themselves to come to to Kalis allow to go and all of that.

[00:59:14]Is is it a doomsday for the opposition? What factor would article bring to bear if opposition are not be able to come together?

[00:59:26]>> You see, a journey to a greater and more prosperous uh more politically developed Nigeria may well have begun. At Auko Abubakar's foot, I can predict one foot is already in the presidential villa. Why? Because there is going to be a mis mismatch in the forthcoming elections in 2027. It's a mismatch that will be as clear as chalk is from cheese. As clear as you you removing the reins of a horse and you know trying to d it on on on a goat. Um this is because we believe that our candidate like my brother said you know Mr. Fabi has all it takes to, you know, give Nigeria the best kind of leadership that is in concernance with our own pedigree with our own uh visibility around the globe and uh bringing about the kind of economic prosperity and development and Ako is a team member, he's a team builder, he's a team leader and he has proven this time and again over the years. These are some of the qualities that he is going to bring to the table and he has an agenda. He has a a document and the AP uh the ADC has a document that we will present to Nigerians that will make it very clear it is the way to go.

[01:01:04]You think has a pathway different from what we saw in 2012?

[01:01:07]>> Fantastic. Fantastic. You need to take time to go through them. And again, we are going to beat him once.

[01:01:13]>> You think how did Tinubu win? How did Tinu win? Did Tin really win in the real sense of it? Let us We you know what I'm talking about. So this is going to be different. See, I am praying that Nigerians wake up from their slumber. Uh is their decision if they want to remain same or the same. But what ADC has offered is an alternative that will take them out of the woods and the condition this APC government has put them into.

[01:01:37]So that's all >> fab and lad. Gentlemen, thanks so much indeed for your time too.

[01:01:42]>> Thank you very much.

[01:01:43]>> Thank you.

[01:01:43]>> I can't I can't wait for Saturday because I see Chelsea like a PS in the final against Arsenal >> leather beating the only team in London is Chelsea. But thank you so much indeed gentlemen.

[01:01:57]That's our show for tonight everyone.

[01:01:58]Many thanks for watching. I'm Shakimal.

[01:02:00]God bless Nigeria.

[01:02:32]Heat. Heat.

[01:02:40]Heat.

[01:02:58]Heat.

[01:03:12]It's nice to have you join us. You're watching News Track on Channels Television. I'm Ayote Balon and here are top stories making the rounds at this time.

[01:03:23]What appears to be the first major reconciliation move following the African Democratic Congress presidential primaries has seen former Vice President Atiku Abuakar visit former River State Governor Rotimichi at his Abuja residence. The meeting comes amid tensions trailing the just concluded ADC presidential primary that produced Atiku Abuaka as the party's flag bearer. Mr. Amichi and fellow aspirant Muhammad Hayatudin had rejected the outcome of the exercise describing the process as lacking credibility. Al-Haja Bubakar who arrived with the delegation including former Sukto state governor Amin Tambu, former ADC national chairman Raf Mosu and other party officials held closed door talks with the former river state governor. The visit took place less than 24 hours after the primaries which both Mr. Mitchi and Mr. the Hayatuin boycotted at the collision stage in protest against the results. During his acceptance speech, former Vice President Abu Bakr had pledged to reach out to both men and appeal.